Latest KFF Health News Stories
Covid Vaccine For Younger Kids Clears Final Hurdle With CDC Greenlight
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on allowing a lower dose of the Pfizer covid vaccine to be administered to kids ages 5 to 11. News outlets report on what comes next for parents seeking out the shot for their children.
CDC Report: Immunocompromised People Are Less Protected By Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that both Pfizer and Moderna shots were less effective at protecting people with weakened immune systems. Two other studies showed covid survivors who get two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines have stronger protection against infection.
Majority Obey Military Vax Mandates; Oklahoma Gov. Wants Exemptions
News outlets cover covid vaccinations among the armed forces, noting the “vast majority” have had shots, partly because very few religious exemptions have been allowed. But Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is asking the federal government for exemptions for local National Guard members.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Medical Board ‘Corrects’ Texas Doctor In Hydroxychloroquine Case
Dr. Stella Immanuel has been given a “corrective action” by the Texas Medical Board after she prescribed hydroxychloroquine to a patient with covid without explaining the health consequences. Meanwhile, in Montana, covid is again rising to be the third leading cause of death.
To Halt Covid, China Locks 30K Inside Disney, Keeps Schoolkids Overnight
News outlets report on extraordinary measures taken by Chinese authorities in pursuit of “covid zero” — including locking children in a primary school overnight due to a covid case and 30,000 people inside Shanghai Disneyland. Separately, Indonesia is the first place to authorize Novavax’s vaccine.
Different Takes: Public Needs More Trust In Drug Companies; Examining The Future of SB 8
Editorial pages weigh in on pharmaceutical companies, advanced practice providers and SB 8.
Industry Groups Push For Extensions To Pandemic Telehealth Provision
More than 230 organizations are seeking support from state governors to extend state medical licenses given to boost telehealth operations during the pandemic, since covid hasn’t faded yet. Hospital operating margin drops, the future of out-of-hospital care and more are also in the news.
Syphilis, Previously Nearly Eradicated In The US, Is Reported Surging Back
ProPublica reports on a dramatic resurgence of syphilis, saying it’s a sign of funding failures in public health. Separately, a report says screen time among teens doubled to nearly eight hours per day during the pandemic. And the salmonella outbreak tied to onions has now hit over 800 people.
Trial Begins Over Basic Health Care Provisions For Arizona Prisoners
Media outlets cover the beginning of a “landmark” trial over allegations of poor provision of health care in Arizona’s privatized prisons. Separately, reports say U.S. prisons are facing a staff crisis as people quit during the pandemic, and in Aroostook County, naloxone is being given to released prisoners.
Judge Rejects California Bid To Hold Drugmakers Liable For Opioid Crisis
Bucking trends in other legal cases, Superior Court Judge Peter Wilson issued a tentative ruling that could free four major pharmaceutical companies from legal responsibility for the painkiller addiction epidemic in parts of California.
Manchin Wants To Pump Brakes On Spending Bill; Dems Say They’ll Keep Moving
Democratic leaders plan to continue pushing forward with the intertwined social spending and infrastructure packages, despite the latest call to slow down from Sen. Joe Manchin.
Judge Ditches Dec. 31 Shots Deadline For Vaccine-Refusing Chicago Police
Cook County Judge Raymond Mitchell did not excuse the police officers who were unvaccinated from twice-weekly testing, however, and pointed out that covid has killed many officers across the U.S. In other news, 9,000 New York City workers are on unpaid leave for refusing to get vaccinated.
Feds To Mandate Shots, Paid Time Off, Sick Leave For Large-Company Workers
News organizations report on upcoming covid vax mandates from the federal government for companies with at least 100 workers. Paid time off to get shots plus sick leave during recovery are part of the package. Vaccine refusal in the military is also in the news.
Despite Turmoil Of 2020, Number Of Uninsured Stayed About The Same
The figures, which were released ahead of the start of open enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplaces, did show that uninsured rates are higher in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid, Axios reported.
Supreme Court Justices Question Unique Provisions Of Texas Abortion Law
The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in cases related to Texas’ near-total abortion ban. The justices’ questions hinted that they may be inclined to allow abortion providers to challenge the state law in court, but are more skeptical about the Justice Department’s standing.
CDC Says Covid Immunity From Shots, Infections Lasts At Least 6 Months
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that immunity given by vaccines is more consistent than from an infection, and shots give a “huge boost” of antibodies in people who previously had covid. Separately, a study says three Pfizer shots are 92% more effective than just two.
With Shots Already Being Boxed Up, CDC Expected To OK Covid Vax For Children
Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are meeting today to discuss approving Pfizer-BioNTech’s covid vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, after the FDA’s approval last week. Media outlets cover how the shots will close the Hispanic vaccine gap, plus other matters.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.